THE family who lost three relatives in a horror car crash have issued a statement telling of their devastation.

Great-grandfather Robert Reed, 75, who was driving a Renault Megane Scenic, died when his car collided head-on with a lorry.

Natalie Simpson, 18, and her 14-month-old daughter, Destiny Reed, also died in the crash on the B1404 between Houghton-le-Spring and Seaham, County Durham, at 12.20pm on Wednesday.

Margaret Reed, 74, was airlifted to hospital after being seriously injured in the crash and remains in hospital in Middlesbrough, where her condition was last night described as critical, but stable.

Police said Mr and Mrs Reed were husband and wife and grandparents to Natalie’s partner and great-grandparents to Destiny. They are all from the Houghton-le-Spring area.

The statement said: “The families of Robert Reed, Natalie Simpson and Destiny Reed are devastated by what has happened.

"No words can describe how we are struggling to come to terms with our enormous loss. To lose three members of an extended family in one day, including a beautiful baby girl and her young mother who had their whole lives ahead of them, is almost unthinkable.

“We’d like to thank the people from the emergency services for their efforts at the scene, and also the staff at James Cook Hospital as they continue to care for Margaret.

“We continue to ask the media to respect our privacy at this time.”